Ferry modernisation on track

Swedish ferry company Stena Line has taken delivery of its newest RoPax ferry, Stena Scandica (ex Stena Lagan). The vessel is the first of two Visentini vessels to be lengthened and modernised by Stena RoRo at Sedef Shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey.

Stena Line CEO, Niclas Mårtensson, said: “Taking delivery of the large, modern and efficient vessel Stena Scandica is a major milestone for Stena Line and enables us to continue to grow together with our customers in the Baltic Sea.”

Smart modifications

The Stena Scandica is being lengthened with a 36m mid-section. After the conversion it is 222m long, with a capacity of 970 passengers and 2,875 freight lane metres.

To increase the loading efficiency, the vessel has been modified with drive through capabilities on two levels.

The vessel has also been fitted with several sustainable features and fuel efficiency improvements, such as hybrid scrubbers, ballast water cleaning systems, twisted leading edge rudder with costa bulb.

Sister vessel Stena Baltica (ex Stena Mersey) will undergo the same modifications.

Per Westling, MD at Stena RoRo, pointed out the new capacity and efficiency measures result in a reduction of emissions for the lorries transported on the ferries and a shorter port turnaround time for a lower speed at sea.

Stena Scandica will start operating on Stena Line’s route between Nynäshamn in Sweden and Ventspils in Latvia in the beginning of July. Later this year, Stena Baltica will join Stena Scandica. With both vessels in place, the total capacity increase on the route is 30%.

By Rebecca Jeffrey